How to Keep Cats Away From Your Home

Keep cats away from your home once and for all.

Having stray cats in your neighborhood is a fact that cannot be escaped. For the most part, these cats are not a bother and if you ignore them, they will leave your lawn and gardens alone. Unfortunately, there are a few feline intruders that will use your garden and child's sand box for their own person litter box. These cats can also kill birds in your yard, spray your home and doorways, and fight with your pets. There are several ways to ensure these unwanted guests leave your home alone for good.

Things You'll Need

• Aluminum foil
• Coffee grounds
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper
• Motion-detecting sprinkler system

Instructions

1. Lay down rolls of aluminum foil around any flower or vegetable gardens you want the cats to stay out of. The cats do not enjoy the sound of crinkling aluminum foil under their feet.

2. Spread used coffee grounds over your lawn and garden. Allow the coffee grounds to dry to make them easier to spread.

3. Sprinkle a few cups of black or cayenne pepper onto the lawn. The smell will deter the cats.

4. Install a motion-detecting sprinkler system. When the cat walks in front of the motion detector's sensor, the device will spray the unsuspecting animal with water. The cat will begin to associate your yard with this unwanted annoyance and stay away.

5. Avoid feeding any stray cats in your area. Do not intentionally, or unintentionally, leave any food sitting outside or on your porch. The cats will begin to see your home as a steady food source and will return.

6. Call the local animal control to remove any cats from your home that are a real nuisance.

7. Speak to your neighbors, if the cat belongs to them. They may be willing to keep the cat indoors or split the cost of a fence with you.

References

• Reader's Digest: Keep Cats and Dogs Away From Your Garden
• Vet Info: Nine Ways to Keep Cats Out of the Yard